Yesterday, I observed a great way to teach 3rd grade students latitude and longitude. The teacher gave each student a popsicle stick and instructed each student to write longitude vertically on one side of the stick and latitude horizontal on the other side of the stick. The students used the sticks to help them find the latitude and longitude of various places. For example, the students found the latitude of Memphis, TN by laying the latitude side of their stick on Memphis, TN and following the line to the number of degrees. The students caught on quickly and eventually did not need to use their sticks to answer the questions.
What a GREAT idea! I've always struggled with latitude and longitude. Hope I can remember this idea when I get into my own classroom!
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